1 Sep 2015

On Sunday, Liverpool confirmed Lazar Markovic's one-year loan deal to Fenerbahce, and after signing on the dotted line, the Serbian - who cost the Reds £20m last summer - has now revealed the reasons behind his decision sign for the Turkish giants.

Speaking to Fenerbahce TV after sealing the deal, Markovic confirmed that 'other teams' tried to sign him, but insisted:

"Once an offer from Fenerbahce arrived, I said 'yes'. One of the reasons I'm here is that Vitor Pereira is the coach of Fenerbahce, and I know he is a good and decent man. Plus, Fenerbahce-Galatasaray is a big derby, and it is followed in Serba".

Markovic - hailed by Rodgers in pre-season for his 'excellent' finishing - also outlined what the Fenerbahce fans can expect over the next year:

"I am a fast player, who can score goals and assist, and the fans will see that I am a good footballer".

It sounds as if Markovic feels like he has something to prove, and that's definitely the case, especially after wasting away on the bench and/ or being played out of position as a wing-back.

Rodgers is often lauded for the way he handles young players, but he arguably for it horribly wrong with Markovic. What is the point in spending £20m on a pacy winger and then playing him as a wing-back?

When a 20-year old is settling into a new country, and a new league, surely the manager should create an environment that allows the player to flourish?

Rodgers did the complete opposite, and made it difficult for Markovic to find his place in the team.

Then, when - shock horror - he didn't work out as a wing-back, Rodgers shattered his confidence by repeatedly leaving him on the bench and/or out of the squad completed.

Bravo! Superb man-management.

Markovic describes Fenerbahce boss Vitor Pereira as a 'decent and honest man', and to me, that could be construed as a subtle dig at Rodgers.

The Serb almost certainly expected to play as a winger/attacking midfielder (perhaps Rodgers even gave him assurances of this), and he probably feels a little betrayed after his nightmare season at Anfield.

Liverpool reportedly believe that 'Markovic has the talent to succeed at Anfield', but if he gets regular game-time in Turkey, will he even want to come back?